The Aftermath

The kneeling man—Commander Bato—lowered his head further, blood trickling down the bridge of his nose and dripping onto the marble floor.

"Your Highness," he said through clenched teeth, "The rebel group's coming out was unforeseen. Who would think they would go back on their words and tell everyone that they are the Vengefuls?"

Bato could feel the chill in the room as Rueben's aura grew even darker.

"When we chased them, they were like ghosts—planted false trails, used decoys. They also led us to believe the assassination attempt on the king had not happened yet. It was supposed to happen tonight."

Prince Reuben's jaw tightened. He paced the length of the chamber, boots striking hard against the floor. Sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows behind him, painting his crimson cloak with flickers of blue and gold, a twisted mockery of serenity.